tiggerpolice

The Saints had Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart visit New Orleans last week. The question is: Are they serious about Leinart, or trying to strike up interest in a trade for the No. 2 overall choice?

For his part, Drew Brees isn't worried about quarterback competition.

"I'm used to that deal," Brees said in a telephone interview. "It doesn't change anything. My attitude and my mind-set are the same. I believe I will be the starting quarterback, and I'm not worried about anybody they bring in. Everything happens for a reason."

Brees, the 32nd overall pick in the 2001 draft, was the San Diego Chargers' starter when they drafted quarterback Eli Manning first overall in 2004 before shipping him to the Giants for quarterback Philip Rivers.

The Chargers and Brees parted ways this off-season, with San Diego unwilling to commit big money to a quarterback coming off a shoulder injury. Brees tore the labrum in his right shoulder in the season finale.

Brees, who signed a six-year, $60 million deal with the Saints last month, said the shoulder is feeling "great."

Browns committed to Frye

Browns general manager Phil Savage gave his strongest commitment yet to second-year quarterback Charlie Frye.

The Browns hosted Vince Young on Friday, but if Young or Jay Cutler slides to No. 12, expect Cleveland to trade the pick.

"I do anticipate to some extent that if any of the quarterbacks are there at 12, we might field a call or two," Savage said, "because I think people look at us as a team that has a young quarterback in Charlie Frye. We have started going down the path with Charlie, and at this juncture, to put on the brakes, back out of that road and try to head down another one, may not make too much sense."

Coach Romeo Crennel has thus far refused to name Frye his starting quarterback. Veteran Trent Dilfer has been silent on the issue, obviously stewing about his short-lived (11 games) reign as the Browns' starter.

Shanahan defends Williams

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is pleased with cornerback Darrent Williams, a second-round draft choice last year, even after Williams' off-the-field scrape this off-season.

Williams started nine of the first 12 games and was a Rookie of the Year candidate until tearing his groin on a touchdown-saving tackle against Baltimore on Dec. 11. He had eight pass breakups and two interceptions, including one returned 80 yards for a touchdown, and was an exciting punt returner.

"He had a good year," Shanahan said. "He's a playmaker. We've got some competition with [Domonique] Foxworth and Williams, two guys that played well. We have some depth there, and it will be interesting to see who wins the position."

In February, Williams was cited by Fort Worth police for playing his car stereo too loud, while a passenger was arrested on a marijuana possession charge. Shanahan, though, said he has talked to Williams and is comfortable with Williams' explanation.

"We keep on top of all that stuff," Shanahan said. "We monitor. We know what happened; I'm not sure many people do. But we don't think it will be a problem."

Faulk has more surgery

Rams running back Marshall Faulk had arthroscopic surgery on both knees. It has become almost an off-season ritual for Faulk to have cleanup work done on one or both knees.

New coach Scott Linehan said he hasn't talked to Faulk recently, but expects him to return for his 13th NFL season.

"I don't think it's changed," Linehan said. "I know he's very positive about it. I still expect him back. I really do."

Faulk had a career-low 292 rushing yards last season, his fourth consecutive season with less than 1,000 yards.

Other NFL writers contributed to this report.

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/football/14415699.htm

saintswhodi

Shoulder feeling great? That's the real news.

lynwood

I thought Todd Bouman was all the competition he needed.